Shubman Gill Reveals Plans For Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli's Future: 'How To Keep The Players In...'

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ended the Australia ODI series with unbeaten knocks, as Shubman Gill opened up on plans for keeping them in rhythm after the South Africa series.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will need substantial game time moving forward since they now play only one format. However, the decision on how to keep these white-ball legends in rhythm will be made after the South Africa ODI series concludes, said skipper Shubman Gill on Saturday.

Kohli and Rohit ended the ODI series on a high note, scoring unbeaten 74 and 121 respectively, contributing to the team’s emphatic nine-wicket victory in the final match against Australia.

When asked if he had discussed the month-long gap between the South Africa series and the next series against New Zealand, followed by another seven-week gap, Gill responded negatively.

“We haven’t talked about it yet. But I think once South Africa (ODI) series is over (on December 6), there will be a gap in international cricket before the New Zealand ODI series (January 11, 2026). So I think then we will see how to keep the players in touch. Then I think a decision will be taken," Gill said at the post-match press conference.

With only six more ODI games left for the season — three against South Africa and three against New Zealand — game time remains an issue.

Rohit and Kohli’s next international assignment involves one-dayers against South Africa on November 30, December 3, and 6, followed by ODI matches against New Zealand starting January 11.

From December 24, the Vijay Hazare Trophy (National One Dayers) will begin, and both are expected to play a few games for their respective teams.

‘Treat To Watch’

For young skipper Gill, watching 38-year-old Rohit and 36-year-old Kohli finish a clinical chase was a visual delight. “They’ve been doing this for the past 15 years. To be able to watch them play like this and get the team through unbeaten is really a treat to watch," Gill said, emphasising that “as a player, there were no doubts" about the duo’s ability to perform.

“As a captain, when you sit outside and watch the match, it feels really good that the two senior-most players of the team are playing, and they’re getting the team through."

Just hearing the duo hit the ball is an experience for a young player who grew up watching them.

“I think, like I said, it’s a treat to watch both of them, especially when they’re batting like that, and seeing the ball fly off their bats, and just hearing the sound that comes off their bat is something, you know, that tells you how good a nick that they’re both in."

Gill also mentioned how they executed what is often discussed in team meetings — if a player is set, he should finish the game.

“Watching them from outside and taking the team through is something that we often talk about in team meetings. They are walking the talk, so it’s a great bonus for us."

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